In the long tapestry of Chinese civilization, jade has always held a paramount position. It is not merely a precious mineral but a totem carrying the national spirit and cultural beliefs. Among the many famous jades, Dushan jade, originating from Nanyang, Henan, has written an immortal legend of thousands of years with its unique charm and profound historical heritage. As an ancient jade collector, whenever I caress a piece of Dushan jade, I feel as if I can touch the era of war and emperors, and perceive the aesthetic taste and philosophical thought of the Chinese nation it embodies.
Dushan jade is named after Dushan Mountain, located in the northeast of Nanyang City, where it is mined. Its mining history can be traced back to the Neolithic Age, more than seven thousand years ago. This is not unfounded, but supported by conclusive archaeological evidence. In 1959, a batch of exquisite jade artifacts, including Dushan jade shovels and huangs, were unearthed at the Huangshan site in Nanyang, Henan. These artifacts, with their ancient shapes and exquisite craftsmanship, indicate that Dushan jade was already an important production tool and ceremonial object for ancestors in ancient times. Even more astonishingly, traces of Dushan jade have been found in the Yangshao culture site, dating back about 5000 years, and even in the Tomb of Fu Hao in Yinxu, Dushan jade figures and birds were unearthed, which undoubtedly proves that Dushan jade was already favored by royalty and nobility in the Shang Dynasty.
Dushan jade has a complex mineral composition and is rich in colors, including white, green, yellow, purple, red, black, and often appears in a mixed “qiaose” (skillfully utilizing natural colors) state. This unique natural characteristic provides a vast creative space for jade carving artists. As early as the Han Dynasty, Nanyang had become an important jade production base, and Dushan jade carving techniques reached a very high level. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Dushan jade carving reached its peak. At that time, Dushan jade was known as “Nanyang Duyu” and was listed as one of the “Four Famous Jades of China” along with Hetian jade from Xinjiang, Xiuyan jade from Liaoning, and turquoise from Hubei.
Dushan jade is not only a material carrier but also a spiritual symbol. In ancient times, jade was endowed with the cultural connotation of “a gentleman compares his virtue to jade.” The toughness, warmth, and introversion of Dushan jade perfectly align with the gentlemanly qualities advocated by Confucianism. It was regarded as a medium for communicating with heaven and earth, and for sacrificing to gods, symbolizing power, wealth, and status. For example, in ancient imperial sacrificial activities, Dushan jade was often used as a ritual vessel to show reverence to heaven and pray for blessings. In folk culture, Dushan jade was also believed to have the effects of warding off evil, bringing good fortune, and ensuring safety, so it was often made into various ornaments and擺件 (decorative pieces), embodying people's aspirations for a better life.
The cultural significance of Dushan jade is also reflected in its close connection with historical events. Legend has it that after Qin Shi Huang unified the six states, he ordered craftsmen to carve the Imperial Seal of China from Dushan jade to demonstrate his supreme imperial power. Although this is mostly a folk legend, it shows the high status of Dushan jade in people's minds. In the “Classic of Mountains and Seas,” there were also records about “Dushan producing jade,” which undoubtedly added more mystery and cultural depth to Dushan jade.
In modern times, the mining and carving techniques of Dushan jade continue to develop. Nanyang Dushan jade carving has been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage, and its unique “qiaose” craftsmanship is unparalleled. Today, Dushan jade is not only a treasure sought after by collectors but also an important part of traditional Chinese culture. With its seven thousand years of historical accumulation and unique artistic charm, it demonstrates the profoundness of Chinese civilization to the world. Every piece of Dushan jade is a silent history book, telling the legendary story of the Chinese nation living in harmony with jade. As an ancient jade collector, I deeply understand that protecting and inheriting this Dushan jade culture is our bounden duty. It is not just a mineral, but a cultural gene flowing in the blood of the Chinese nation, worthy of our generations to cherish and spread.